Derek James Hedley

Our dear son, brother, uncle, and best friend Derek “D” James Hedley left us to be with his dear Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ on October 29, 2021.

The love we shared with Derek was a gift from God for which we will be forever grateful. Derek loved his family with his whole heart.

Derek grew up in Winnipeg and considered Sandy Lake MB and Rossburn MB his second homes, where he spent many happy and fun years with both sets of his grandparents. He also enjoyed his early years in Strathclair MB. Derek had a huge sense of adventure and curiosity since he was a child. He always seemed to be 10 steps ahead of us. He had many great talents and skills in vast areas. and was a very well-liked person, who was a friend to all he met.

Derek owned his own business, and worked in the movie and film industry with IATSE in Vancouver for several years, and most recently in Winnipeg to be near his family. He worked on many movies and stage sets, as an arena rigger, a grip, and on special effects, also working as a pyro technician in Winnipeg. He previously worked on the Vancouver Olympics, and held jobs in Saskatoon and Calgary. Derek was known to be a very detailed, and trusted worker, helping others anytime. He was extremely dedicated to his work and a special person to all he worked with.

Derek had a great knowledge and was very skilled in IT, computer technology, and science. He helped many people to build and set up just about anything, sharing his expertise in many areas. Derek had many friends in Winnipeg and everywhere he went. He had a great caring for people, and he was always willing to help whether it was to move a friend, fix a computer, build something, fix something, or just support anyone who had a need.

Derek would do the most hilarious and daring moves in areas such as skateboarding, snowboarding, diving, water skiing, skydiving, flying drones, and even dancing. He always took it to a higher level.

Derek held a special place in the hearts of many. People seemed to gravitate around him and to just like being around “D.” He also had a special place in his heart for the homeless, the poor, and the misfortunate. He was a humble person who loved to reach out to people. Derek was known for his extreme generosity, always giving time, money, and help to anyone expecting nothing in return.

Derek was an extreme total joy to be around, and very giving to our family. “D” was full of action and adventure. He kept us moving and active. We can’t describe the enrichment he added to each of our lives. He loved to travel and took us to many places we wouldn’t have ever considered going to, always excitedly being the “host.”

Derek made each one of us, feel like we were his special and his best friend. He was full of love, fun, and support having an extreme closeness to all of us.

Derek had a very special close bond with his niece and Goddaughter, Jade. He was always spending time with her, teaching her many things, and supplying her with anything and everything he thought she needed. She was his favorite pastime, and she held a very special place in his heart.

Derek had a deep love for Jesus Christ, and he felt his main purpose in life was to bring all the people he knew to accept Jesus as their Lord and Savior, so that all could be together in eternity. It was extremely important to him.

Derek will be forever missed and loved by his family. He was a total delight, and a loyal son, brother, uncle, and friend. He will always be with us in a very special place in our hearts.

Left to grieve his passing are his dad Dennis, his mom Audrey, sister Amanda (Ryan), and niece Jade, and sister Chantel (Mitchell). He was predeceased by his Grandparents Leo and Lillian Krukewich, Uncle Ken Krukewich, and Grandfather Hal Hedley. He is survived by his Grandmother Donna Hedley, Uncle Al Krukewich (Leanne), cousins, Amber Warkentin (Steele) and Sunny, and Laura Krukewich; cousins Kim Krukewich (Jonathan), Nathan, Anne-Sophie, and Thomas, Jackie Bowness (Dan), Cyler and Evelyn; Aunt Dianna Gregorash (Garry), cousins, Troy Gregorash (Tracy), Levi and Seth, Trista Gregorash (Rod) and Christian, and Travis Gregorash; Uncle Doug Hedley, cousins Tessa Hunka (Zac) and Rex, and Brittni; Uncle Ron Hedley (Rhonda), cousins Joran (Kelly) and Regan (Easton); Uncle Kevin Hedley, cousins Cesha and Kru, and Shae Hedley, along with many extended uncles, aunts, and cousins.

A private family service celebrating Derek’s life has taken place.

Donations may be made to C4i Canada/Israel the Prophetic Connection. Derek had a special place in his heart for Israel and its people; or to any “help for the homeless” charities.

“For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have everlasting life.” John 3:16

Goodbye, for now, our sweet “D” and thanks for being ours.

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